[Cervical cancer uteri: from the etiology to prophylactic vaccine]

The authors briefly summarize the history of the research on the cervical cancer (CC) which has resulted in the recognition of human papillomaviruses (HPV) as the key etiological factors in CC. They describe the HPV properties and the process leading to the development of prophylactic vaccines directed against HPV genotypes most frequently responsible for the development of CC. They summarize the results of the recent studies with these vaccines and strongly recommend their introduction. At the same time they stress that the vaccination programs must not disturb the present system of preventive gynecological check-ups. These will remain the most efficient weapon in the war against CC for at least two decades.